Research Reveals Worrying Extent Of Child Abuse Problem

New figures released by children’s charity NSPCC demonstrate the desperate need for more efforts to be made to tackle the abuse and neglect of youngsters, according to an expert at Irwin Mitchell.

Research by the organisation has revealed that almost one in five secondary school pupils have been abused or neglected by an adult during their childhood – which is equivalent to almost a million children.

It also found that 25 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds were beaten up, sexually abused or subject to other problems like verbal abuse at some point while they were growing up.

Luke Daniels, a Birmingham-based solicitor at Irwin Mitchell who specialises in providing advice to young people who have suffered neglect and abuse, said it was vital that efforts to tackle such problems are increased.

He explained: “When viewed in relation to previous figures, this research shows a decline in the number of young people who have suffered neglect or abuse.

“However, the fact that so many children are still suffering demonstrates the massive extent of the problem and the continuing need for improvements to the services that are tackling it.

“Abuse can have a devastating impact on people, with many victims feeling the physical and psychological effects for the majority of their lives.

“It is vital that the conclusions made in this report are acted upon and every effort is made to ensure that social services act effectively in dealing with cases of abuse as quickly as possible.”

Our child abuse solicitors are committed to pursuing cases to the best possible outcome, without causing any additional psychological trauma to those affected. Call 0370 1500 100 to talk confidentially to someone about making a claim or visit our Abuse & Criminal Injury Claims page for more information.